Hoyer Announces Bid for Democratic Whip

WASHINGTON, DC – House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today to announce his bid for Democratic Whip:

"Over the past few days, I’ve had the opportunity to speak with many of my colleagues, and I appreciate the support I’ve received from them to remain Democratic Whip. I look forward to working with Leader Pelosi as we keep our Caucus united and continue our efforts to return to the majority. Democrats will work to find common ground where we can so that we can create jobs, strengthen the middle class, and pursue responsible deficit reduction and fiscal balance. As Democratic Whip, I will continue to work with all the Members of our Caucus to get things done for the American people."

Hoyer sent the following letter to all Democratic Members today:

Dear Democratic Colleagues:

As we look ahead to the 113th Congress, I’ve spoken with many of our colleagues about the future of the Caucus, the House, and our party. They’ve told me that over the course of the next Congress, it will be vital that we keep our Caucus united, effectively communicate our vision for America, and work to find common ground with Republicans where possible, while standing firm for our principles. We must immediately show the nation that we have a strong and organized Caucus ready to work for them. They believe that those goals require an experienced team to lead us forward. That is why I am running for Democratic Whip, and I look forward to serving with Leader Pelosi in the next Congress.

In his re-election acceptance speech, President Obama noted that Americans “voted for action, not politics as usual.” It is now up to us, working with President Obama, to make that action happen. Where we can, we must work with our Senate colleagues and our House Republican colleagues to get things done for our nation. Americans are ready for the bickering to stop, and to see leadership on the problems they face in their daily lives. I believe we can, and will, show that leadership.

In the 112th Congress, I was proud to work effectively as the Whip. I’ve listened to the ideas and concerns of our Members. Together, we’ve held Republicans accountable for their policies that embraced failed ideas of the past and put the wealthy ahead of seniors and working families. And I’ve worked to keep the Caucus united around our core values, and we were successful: Democrats were unanimous in our opposition to the Ryan budget that would end the Medicare guarantee. We were united against Republican efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act, taking away benefits that millions of Americans are already seeing. And our shouts that Republicans were walking away from the American people were heard, when they were forced to extend unemployment insurance benefits and the payroll tax cut last December.

As Democratic Whip in the next Congress, I will continue that record as we work together to advance America’s priorities and stand firm for Democratic values. Americans continue to be concerned about our economic recovery and our fiscal future. Democrats understand that concern and will keep fighting for working families. We will keep pushing the Make It In America plan to grow jobs and increase domestic manufacturing. We will work to ensure that in pursuing responsible deficit reduction and fiscal balance that it will not come on the backs of the most vulnerable or our seniors. We will continue our effort to rebuild America’s middle class through affordable, quality education; a strong infrastructure; and becoming the world’s leader in clean energy. And we will continue our fight to protect voting rights, so that all Americans can exercise their constitutional right to vote.

Our strength as a Caucus lies in our diversity and also in our unity, and I will continue to make sure Members’ voices are heard and talents are utilized. In the coming days, I look forward to speaking with you and hearing your thoughts about the issues facing the 113th Congress. Your support has meant a great deal to me, and I appreciate everything you have done to help make our party stronger and better positioned to carry out the great work that lies ahead.